Radio Raman @ 90.4 FM

Contact Person: Mrs. Shweta Pandey

Broadcasting Language: Hindi and Chhattisgarhi 

Genesis: Radio Raman is the first community radio station to be operated by a university in Chhattisgarh. It was established in 2013 by Dr. C.V. Raman University  with an objective to  broadcast necessary educational and entertainment-based content focusing  on the basic rights of the local community in terms of education, health, law and agriculture, especially for people staying in tribal and backward areas around Kota.

Thematic Focus: Education is the primary focus area of Radio Raman. The CRS works for the welfare of the local tribal communities by educating them about their rights and entitlements, and empowering them towards a dignified life. The CRS also produces programmes based on health, women empowerment, and environmental concerns.

Sustainable Development Goals: Radio Raman actively tried to implement programmes to follow these SDGs:

SDG 3: Good Health and Wellbeing

SDG 4: Quality Education

SDG 5: Gender Equality

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. 

Primetime Programmes: The primetime programmes are Raman Hour, Hamar Kisaan Hamar Mitaan , Kanoon Ko Jaane, Sehat ki Baat, Paryawaran Vimarshh, Bachhe Mann Ke Sachhe. Meri Sakhi,  Pradushan Janit Rog, and Sarkari Yojnayein. 

Under the Raman Hour’s programme, CVRU professors deliver lectures on various educational  topics. Hamar Kisan Humar Mitan is an agriculture-based programme featuring agricultural experts who advise the farmers in the region. Kanoon Ko Jaane is a programme on legal rights. Sehat ki Baat features healthcare professionals who discuss different health concerns of the community. Paryawaran Vimarshh is a programme on environmental concerns and the immediate measures needed to address them. Bache Mann ke Sachhe is a programme featuring children from the community, and gives them a platform to showcase their talent. Meri Sakhi is a programme that aims to empower women across all fronts. Pradushan Janit Rog discusses the different health concerns due to pollution. Sarkari Yojnayein is a programme that discusses social welfare schemes and policies of the government.

Innovations in format or any other way: Radio Raman, CVRU utilises technology to impart educational content to those students who stay far from the campus and are unable to attend regular classes. The radio  station also endeavours to extend the dimensions of the higher education system, and orient students towards  community service. Radio Raman focuses on highlighting the exemplary work being done by NGOs and  self-help groups in the target areas through case studies. It also addresses and finds solutions for the community’s concerns and problems. The classroom lectures that are delivered by the university’s faculty  members are recorded and broadcast through the radio station thus benefiting students in rural and far-flung areas. 

Core Team: The core team of Radio Raman is constituted of five members including the Station Manager, recordist, and three announcers. The CRS has a dedicated team of twenty student volunteers who contribute as community coordinators and reporters. 

Major Projects Undertaken: Radio Raman was a part of initiatives in line with the European Union’s SWITCH-Asia project. The CRS worked on Promote Bamboo, a project in association with MSME and CEMCA. Radio Raman was also a part of the WWF’s environment and wildlife conservation initiatives.

 Sustainable Strategies: Radio Raman is funded by its parent organisation, Dr. CV Raman University. The CRS is also devising strategies to attract more externally funded projects and advertisements. 

Number of listeners and Potential Outreach: Eighty-five villages including Ganiyari, Newra, Piparpara, Tada,  Amne, Kargikala, Bharari, Gabaripat, Ranisagar, Khurdur, Tendua, and Jogipur, fall within the broadcast limits of the CRS. This area has a total population of nearly 65,000 people and the CRS has an active listener base of 32,000 listeners.  

Major concerns in the Community: Communication and connectivity facilities in the region need an upgrade. Clean water, adequate sanitation facilities, and better educational infrastructure are all among the major needs of the community. 

Environmental concerns need to be addressed before the damage becomes irreversible.